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Refuge Cove #1
Detecting Danger
The man who destroyed her is now her only protection.
Millie Anderson has learned the hard way that love can be a trap. After years of abuse at the hands of her charming, controlling ex-husband, she's finally free—but not safe. With nowhere else to turn, she arrives at Refuge Cove, a hidden sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains where women can disappear with their beloved dogs.
What she doesn't expect is to find Caleb King waiting there to welcome her.
The man who once promised her forever and then vanished without explanation is now the one standing between her and danger. He says he wants to protect her. But trust is a luxury Millie can't afford—not when her past is hunting her and mysterious incidents are escalating at the Cove.
Millie and Caleb must confront their painful history while racing to uncover the truth. But some secrets are worth killing for—and some second chances come with a deadly price.
Millie Anderson has learned the hard way that love can be a trap. After years of abuse at the hands of her charming, controlling ex-husband, she's finally free—but not safe. With nowhere else to turn, she arrives at Refuge Cove, a hidden sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains where women can disappear with their beloved dogs.
What she doesn't expect is to find Caleb King waiting there to welcome her.
The man who once promised her forever and then vanished without explanation is now the one standing between her and danger. He says he wants to protect her. But trust is a luxury Millie can't afford—not when her past is hunting her and mysterious incidents are escalating at the Cove.
Millie and Caleb must confront their painful history while racing to uncover the truth. But some secrets are worth killing for—and some second chances come with a deadly price.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
About the author
Christy Barritt
342 books1,733 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 19, 2026
I think this is one of Christy’s best so far. I loved all the layers and twists in the plot and the interesting characters. I’m glad to see this is a new series and look forward to seeing what’s done with the unique setting in the next stories in the series.
Note: the story deals with a controlling ex who psychologically affected how Millie sees herself, very realistically written. It might be triggering for survivors of similar abuse (and I liked seeing that the author put on a warning about that up front.)
Note: the story deals with a controlling ex who psychologically affected how Millie sees herself, very realistically written. It might be triggering for survivors of similar abuse (and I liked seeing that the author put on a warning about that up front.)
February 10, 2026
What a great start to a new series. Millie and her dog Biscuit flees to Refuge Cove, a shelter where women and their pets can "disappear" to for safety, to escape her abusive, controlling ex-husband. What she didn't count on is running into Caleb, her ex-boyfriend who had abandoned her when he entered the military 6 years ago. Can Millie try not to fall her for her ex while at Refuge Cove?
Detecting Danger has danger and twists and turns as unexpected incidents happen at Refuge Cove as well as second chances. This story will have you guessing. Can't wait for Naomi's story next.
Detecting Danger has danger and twists and turns as unexpected incidents happen at Refuge Cove as well as second chances. This story will have you guessing. Can't wait for Naomi's story next.
February 10, 2026
Whoa!! That’s what I’m talking about! This book caught my attention from the get go! Drama, mystery and romance all wrapped in a package of a house who is a shelter for abused women. Millie and Caleb’s story from the past deserved a second chance!
March 6, 2026
It kept me guessing
Things aren't what they seem and danger keeps circling closer as Millie seeks safety at Refuge Cove. Loved the second chance that these two earned.
Things aren't what they seem and danger keeps circling closer as Millie seeks safety at Refuge Cove. Loved the second chance that these two earned.
February 26, 2026
grabs your attention
This book has twists and turns you don’t expect. You’ll be surprised in the end. Good read for those who like suspense.
This book has twists and turns you don’t expect. You’ll be surprised in the end. Good read for those who like suspense.
February 13, 2026
3.5 stars
"Starting over was possible. Believing in herself enough to do it - that was the part that took practice."
Finally deciding to seek refuge away from all connections to her abusive ex-husband, Millie Anderson arrives at the secluded house of refuge in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains only to discover that it is owned and operated by Caleb King, a face from her past who represents a previous phase of deep heartache. Sensing Millie's distress at his presence, Caleb assures her that the property is secure and that Refuge Cove is a place where she can breathe easier without the anxiety of constantly looking over her shoulder. As it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth.
This second chance romance is riddled with speed bumps and pot holes that jar the reader to the point of no return in certain instances, yet step-by-step Millie and Caleb yield to the hope that they have been reunited for a reason.
A nice start to a new series!
"Starting over was possible. Believing in herself enough to do it - that was the part that took practice."
Finally deciding to seek refuge away from all connections to her abusive ex-husband, Millie Anderson arrives at the secluded house of refuge in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains only to discover that it is owned and operated by Caleb King, a face from her past who represents a previous phase of deep heartache. Sensing Millie's distress at his presence, Caleb assures her that the property is secure and that Refuge Cove is a place where she can breathe easier without the anxiety of constantly looking over her shoulder. As it turns out, nothing could be further from the truth.
This second chance romance is riddled with speed bumps and pot holes that jar the reader to the point of no return in certain instances, yet step-by-step Millie and Caleb yield to the hope that they have been reunited for a reason.
A nice start to a new series!
March 2, 2026
I love this first book in a new series! Of course, I am a dog lover, so the front cover appealed to me right away, but I loved the premise ad the suspense also. Caleb King and his sister have opened a place of refuge for women who are fleeing from danger. The area is remote and not well-known to the general public, but that brings its own difficulties. Caleb never expected to see his past love, Millie, seeking refuge but here she is with a story to tell, an ex to hide from, and feelings of wariness toward Caleb. He promises to do everything he can to keep her safe, but a dead body in the woods, mysterious happenings inside the fenced area, and threats from angry neighbors make it difficult on everyone. Is Millies ex causing all the trouble? Or do they have a traitor in their midst?
I received a complimentary coy of this book, but the oinions are my own! I loved it!
I received a complimentary coy of this book, but the oinions are my own! I loved it!
February 3, 2026
Millie Anderson flees to a remote refuge for women in danger, trying to escape the controlling clutches of her former husband. How shocking to find the man in charge is her former boyfriend, who abandoned her when he entered the military. This adds more tension to the already tense, suspenseful story. This book isn’t bursting with as much danger as some of the author’s mysteries, but offers an endearing story of growth and second chances as the main characters deal with their pasts and future amid the unsettling situations they encounter. The first in a new series, I look forward to more tales set in this Blue Ridge Mountains refuge. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2026
Great new series!
What a great start! I always love a new Christy Barritt series. In this one, Millie has recently escaped her abusive marriage and is seeking a safe place to heal and hide. Refuge Cove seems like the ideal place, but suspicious things keep happening! Is it all her fault? Can Caleb really keep her safe? And can she keep her heart from falling for him again?
This one definitely kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out... nope! I also appreciated how the initial abusive husband scene was done well enough to show the harmful nature of the relationship, but not so much that it was horrifying or too traumatic for the reader. If you like clean suspense stories with a bit of romance and a few unforseen twists, this book is for you!
What a great start! I always love a new Christy Barritt series. In this one, Millie has recently escaped her abusive marriage and is seeking a safe place to heal and hide. Refuge Cove seems like the ideal place, but suspicious things keep happening! Is it all her fault? Can Caleb really keep her safe? And can she keep her heart from falling for him again?
This one definitely kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out... nope! I also appreciated how the initial abusive husband scene was done well enough to show the harmful nature of the relationship, but not so much that it was horrifying or too traumatic for the reader. If you like clean suspense stories with a bit of romance and a few unforseen twists, this book is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you like suspense that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next, this book is for you! This book has so many surprises in it - maybe even some twists that you won't see coming! When you think the story is over, guess again, it still has another turn for you to take. Refuge Cove is a place that women and their pets can come to "disappear" in safety. When Millie Anderson arrives with her dog Biscuit, the first person she sees is her first love Caleb King. Things begin to spiral from there. Put your detective hat on, this mystery is going to be a doozy! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
One of the things that stood out to me in Detecting Danger is how Christy Barritt addresses the topic of domestic abuse with both honesty and compassion.
Refuge Cove may appear to be a sanctuary for dogs, but its true purpose is providing safety for women escaping abusive relationships. That deeper mission adds a meaningful layer to the story.
Millie Anderson arrives seeking refuge, only to encounter Caleb King, the man who once broke her heart. As unsettling events begin to occur around Refuge Cove, Millie must confront her past while trying to determine who is threatening the safety of the shelter.
What I especially enjoyed is that the story includes multiple possible antagonists. It kept me guessing about who was actually responsible for the trouble at Refuge Cove.
I also loved the subtle callback to one of Barritt’s earlier series. It was a fun surprise and made me curious if future books will continue those connections.
Overall, this was an enjoyable suspense read and a solid start to what looks like a promising series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Refuge Cove may appear to be a sanctuary for dogs, but its true purpose is providing safety for women escaping abusive relationships. That deeper mission adds a meaningful layer to the story.
Millie Anderson arrives seeking refuge, only to encounter Caleb King, the man who once broke her heart. As unsettling events begin to occur around Refuge Cove, Millie must confront her past while trying to determine who is threatening the safety of the shelter.
What I especially enjoyed is that the story includes multiple possible antagonists. It kept me guessing about who was actually responsible for the trouble at Refuge Cove.
I also loved the subtle callback to one of Barritt’s earlier series. It was a fun surprise and made me curious if future books will continue those connections.
Overall, this was an enjoyable suspense read and a solid start to what looks like a promising series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Millie Anderson escapes to Refuge Cove, a shelter for women escaping abusive relationships because her abusive ex-husband thinks he still owns her and won’t leave her alone. Once there she finds the man who runs it is none other than her former boyfriend. Several strange and concerning things start happening at the refuge and Millie thinks it is because of her. An engaging book with many surprising things happening to keep your interest high.
February 3, 2026
Millie needs to get away from her abusive ex-husband. She finds a refuge that will take her and her dog to keep her safe. Little does she know that her ex-boyfriend, Caleb, runs the refuge. Does she still have feelings for him? Do the strange things that seem to be happening affect the safety of the refuge? Can Caleb keep Millie and the two other women hidden? This book has great suspense and twists in the story. Another hit book by Christy Barritt! I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 17, 2026
What do you do when you think you are doing God's plan but nothing is going the way it should
Caleb is so torn with all the decisions and trouble facing him, now Millie, the only woman he has ever loved is back and needing his protection. Is God giving him a second chance or is that too much to ask?
Ms Barritt's new series is everything you expect from her, intrigue, suspense, hope, words from God, people finding the best & worse in each other, good guys win. A story that will keep you until you finish it!
Caleb is so torn with all the decisions and trouble facing him, now Millie, the only woman he has ever loved is back and needing his protection. Is God giving him a second chance or is that too much to ask?
Ms Barritt's new series is everything you expect from her, intrigue, suspense, hope, words from God, people finding the best & worse in each other, good guys win. A story that will keep you until you finish it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Danger can come from many places even when you think you are safe. Even in your own home, with your own spouse, danger can lurk. Millie found this out the hard way.... and when she runs, she has to figure out if danger followed her or if she ran into danger.
Another great page turner by author Christy Barritt, I couln't put this one down, trying to figure out the twists and turns that were presented.
The last 10 pages shocked me, they were NOT what I thought was coming
A definite must read
Another great page turner by author Christy Barritt, I couln't put this one down, trying to figure out the twists and turns that were presented.
The last 10 pages shocked me, they were NOT what I thought was coming
A definite must read
February 23, 2026
Millie Anderson flees an abusive marriage and ends up hiding at a remote refuge for women. Without giving away too much of the story-line; there are some cute interactions with a past love interest. Guessing the culprit was not as easy, I second-guessed myself a few times while trying to figure it out. Several twists and turns and keeps you guessing what will happen next.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2026
Danger
Detecting Danger is an absolute intriguing story. It’s filled with danger, abuse, shattered relationships, suspense and a sense of mystery. Add to it a man who runs a refuge with the victim who is a woman from his past and you get double the amount of fear. Can’t wait to continue reading this series.
Detecting Danger is an absolute intriguing story. It’s filled with danger, abuse, shattered relationships, suspense and a sense of mystery. Add to it a man who runs a refuge with the victim who is a woman from his past and you get double the amount of fear. Can’t wait to continue reading this series.
February 7, 2026
Another amazing story from Christy Barritt
I almost didn’t read it because of the domestic violence. But I am sure glad I did. There is so much about hope and healing after trauma. And this is another great page turner with unexpected twist to the end, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend!
I almost didn’t read it because of the domestic violence. But I am sure glad I did. There is so much about hope and healing after trauma. And this is another great page turner with unexpected twist to the end, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend!
February 15, 2026
I loved this story. Very suspenseful,.The way the author took a very real problem and worked it into this story so realistically, especially the emotions and worthlessness the victims are taught to feel, made this an outstanding novel. This book was provided by the author. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
February 19, 2026
Relevant
Liked the concept of this new series - a refuge - a shelter for women who are escaping abusive relationships - yet having read numerous of Christy Barrett’s other reads I found this read to not be as suspenseful or as fast paced as her other reads…a few plot twists in Detecting Danger but a tad slow until about midway…
Liked the concept of this new series - a refuge - a shelter for women who are escaping abusive relationships - yet having read numerous of Christy Barrett’s other reads I found this read to not be as suspenseful or as fast paced as her other reads…a few plot twists in Detecting Danger but a tad slow until about midway…
March 19, 2026
Heartwrenching
It is Heartwrenching that women find themselves in the situation that Millie and many others do. I loved the strength she found and the true emotion and
turmoil that was express in the story. It makes you want to go build refuge just as Caleb and his family did after losing their sister to the abuse. I always look for happy ending and the end there was love.
It is Heartwrenching that women find themselves in the situation that Millie and many others do. I loved the strength she found and the true emotion and
turmoil that was express in the story. It makes you want to go build refuge just as Caleb and his family did after losing their sister to the abuse. I always look for happy ending and the end there was love.
March 25, 2026
Running to Safety
Being married to an abusive husband is a frightening experience to live. It's unending and a feeling like walking on glass never knowing what circumstances might provoke your partner.Marriott's suspense novel gives readers a glimpse into dealing with the trauma and pain. Leaving is not an option. Detecting Danger is a good mystery.
Being married to an abusive husband is a frightening experience to live. It's unending and a feeling like walking on glass never knowing what circumstances might provoke your partner.Marriott's suspense novel gives readers a glimpse into dealing with the trauma and pain. Leaving is not an option. Detecting Danger is a good mystery.
March 28, 2026
Standing up for yourself
A great story about getting away from your abuser and beginning to heal. This book tugs at your heartstrings and danger is always around the corner. This is the first book I have read by this author and I expect to read more of her books. Don't miss out on this one!
A great story about getting away from your abuser and beginning to heal. This book tugs at your heartstrings and danger is always around the corner. This is the first book I have read by this author and I expect to read more of her books. Don't miss out on this one!
February 7, 2026
Don’t Plan to Sleep
Nope. Don’t plan to sleep while reading this one!
What do you do when you run to refuge and find little but danger inside and out? Will Millie’s nightmare never end? Is she doomed to be who he said she is? Nothing. Nobody. His?
What do you do when every instinct says, “Run!”, and you can’t because the one you want to run to is right in front of you? Is it possible to trust again? Is it wise?
Come find out!
Nope. Don’t plan to sleep while reading this one!
What do you do when you run to refuge and find little but danger inside and out? Will Millie’s nightmare never end? Is she doomed to be who he said she is? Nothing. Nobody. His?
What do you do when every instinct says, “Run!”, and you can’t because the one you want to run to is right in front of you? Is it possible to trust again? Is it wise?
Come find out!
February 6, 2026
Excellent
Christy Barritt did it again with another excellent well written book. My only problem is trying to wait patiently for the next book in this new series by one my favorite authors.
Christy Barritt did it again with another excellent well written book. My only problem is trying to wait patiently for the next book in this new series by one my favorite authors.
February 7, 2026
I love Christy Barrits books & have read most over the years. Her writing has improved yet I saw some inconsistencies in this story (1 being a gas fireplace doesn’t crackle!) Seems like as she cranks out more, mistakes are happening. Great suspenseful mystery though. :)
February 7, 2026
can you imagine
Loving someone with your whole heart and you end leaving that person. Your broken hearted and more lies were told. You fear for your life and other young Women’s lives and their babies. What are u going to do?
Loving someone with your whole heart and you end leaving that person. Your broken hearted and more lies were told. You fear for your life and other young Women’s lives and their babies. What are u going to do?
February 8, 2026
Powerful, unique and explosive, the new Refuge Cove series begins. I greatly look forward to the second book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
February 21, 2026
Another brillant novel from Christy!
I honestly do not know where you come up with your stories from... you keep the reader hanging on every word. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. I look forward to the next book!
I honestly do not know where you come up with your stories from... you keep the reader hanging on every word. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. I look forward to the next book!
February 23, 2026
A shelter for abused women has a lot of problems. Is it no longer safe?
Lots of twists and turns. Who is causing problems? Is it husband who has found his escaped wife? A disgruntled neighbor. A previous owner?
Lots of twists and turns. Who is causing problems? Is it husband who has found his escaped wife? A disgruntled neighbor. A previous owner?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews